1
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
the nervy waiter held up the small tip and called out to the departing customers, "Hope it doesn't break the bank!"
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks
nervy rock climbers wanting to make gravity-defying ascents
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3
as in nervous
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
I'm a little nervy about my first job interview
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nervy
Neither the writer-director — whose influences here include Mike Leigh, Ken Loach and Gus Van Sant — nor lead Frank Dillane, who acts with a nervy volatility offset by insouciant charm and humor, courts our sympathies, even as the film shows unquestionable compassion.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
The final stretch was nervy and tense, as Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard drew a foul from Mitchell and sank two free throws, then Indiana’s Natasha Howard missed a 2-foot hook shot for the win.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Many believe Newcastle and Chelsea will secure places regardless, but there is a huge opportunity to get within touching distance of confirmation with a win, while defeat would make for a nervy end to the season, with both Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa ready to pounce on any mistakes.
—Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Courtesy of Marshall Moving into a new product category is a nervy undertaking for any company, and the current climate of tariff roulette only adds another level of uncertainty.
—Verity Burns, Wired News, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
The final stretch was nervy and tense, as Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard drew a foul from Mitchell and sank two free throws, then Indiana’s Natasha Howard missed a 2-foot hook shot for the win.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Many believe Newcastle and Chelsea will secure places regardless, but there is a huge opportunity to get within touching distance of confirmation with a win, while defeat would make for a nervy end to the season, with both Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa ready to pounce on any mistakes.
—Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Courtesy of Marshall Moving into a new product category is a nervy undertaking for any company, and the current climate of tariff roulette only adds another level of uncertainty.
—Verity Burns, Wired News, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
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The wise stargazer brings warm clothes, bug spray and snacks — and takes breaks from staring at the sky every 30 minutes or so.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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For investors, is the resolve to assume tariff threats are bluffs and the impact easily handled a wise stance based on lessons learned in the April overshoot sell-off?—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Memorable, inventive, and fully deserving of its place on the list, this one’s for the adventurous.—
Lela London,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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There have been conflicts between rideshare drivers and taxis in the past, so consider sticking with a reputable taxi or car service, However, the more adventurous can rent a car to explore nearby cenotes, ruins, and regional highlights.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Then there's the real world, which is entirely different, so in reality people have nothing to be nervous about.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
12 July 2025
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The odds of a recession may be falling, but states appear to be betting that corporate leaders are still nervous.—
Scott Cohn,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Horse Dive Bar, a cheeky cocktail den inspired by boardwalk nostalgia, mixes inventive drinks like the Red Lips (tequila, spicy Aperol, passion fruit) and Happy Jack (Tito’s, coffee liqueur, caramel, peanut).—
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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In May, the supermodel shared another cheeky couples moment.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Not long before the end, the daring writer-director introduces an idea that should have been established from the jump: As a child, Seti struggled with a speech impediment.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
11 July 2025
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This also pushed Kubi to be more daring as a designer and explore new techniques.—
Ezreen Benissan,
Essence,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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One of the biggest shifts since the time of Rose is that far fewer Americans are worried about this potential problem.—
Harry Enten,
CNN Money,
11 July 2025
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Critics of Greene's bill are worried that the legislation could disproportionately benefit higher-income individuals, who naturally stand to make more profits from a home sale.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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In fiery Aries, Saturn not only demands results but also bold action.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
12 July 2025
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In a city where so many big plans have gone so badly for 30 years, San Diego residents shouldn’t just be wary when another bold proposal comes long — they should be terrified.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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The key was producing a fearless collective of players — at odds with the previous century of football in Belgium.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
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Her all-court game and fearless attitude have turned heads, and her poise beyond her years is drawing comparisons to some of the sport's all-time greats.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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